PSOA Tartan * Tartan de l’AOSP

Tartan, the very word evokes images of heroism and romance, of chivalry and honor. Based on allegiances and not just kinship, one does not need to be related to a clan by birth in order to use a tartan. Of course, if one has a connection to a surname that has a tartan; it is exciting to be able to own a visual tribute to one’s personal heritage and ancestry. Likewise, choosing a tartan for a branch of military service is a great way to show one’s esprit de corps.

Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in many other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. Scottish kilts almost always have tartan patterns. Tartan is often called plaid in North America, but in Scotland, a plaid is a tartan cloth slung over the shoulder as a kilt accessory, or in reality a plain ordinary blanket such as one would have on a bed.

The general idea is a darker pattern being required for outdoor wear, so that its wearer would stand out less clearly on the open hillside and is Victorian in origin.
The desired effect was for camouflage or practicality. The special concept of hunting tartan was related to the development of highland estates for use by the gentry and some chiefs themselves, in late Victorian times.

From our association to Major General Brock G. Chisholm, C.C., CBE, MC, ED, MD., first Director of Personnel Selection Division 1941-42, the decision was made to propose the Chisholm Hunting Modern Tartan.

As an 18-year-old at the start of the First World War, Brock Chisholm joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force, in the 15th Battalion, CEF as a cook, sniper, machine gunner and scout. His leadership and heroism were twice rewarded: with a Military Cross for his efforts in a battle outside of Lens, France; and the Bar. He rose to the rank of captain, was injured once and returned home in 1917. After the First World War he commanded the Halton Rifles.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Chisholm joined the war effort as a psychiatrist dealing with psychological aspects of soldier training, before rising to the rank of Director General of the Medical Services, the highest position within the medical ranks of the Canadian Army. He was the first psychiatrist to head the medical ranks of any army in the world. After the Second World War he was Honorary Colonel of The Lorne Scots.

Major General Chisholm was a Companion of the Order of Canada (C.C.). The Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. He was invested into the order in its inaugural year in 1967

It is because of this we have chosen the Chisholm Hunting Modern Tartan. During the 2013 PSOA Annual General Meeting in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Québec) the members unanimously decided to adopt the Chisholm Hunting Modern Tartan as its tartan.

During the 2013 PSOA Annual General Meeting, the Branch Advisor has graciously allowed Officers of the PSEL Branch to wear Chisholm Hunting Tartan bow ties with their mess dress. The Tartan can also be used for other products that could possibly be ordered by the kit shop, depending on the request by the members.